🚨 Top 10 Car Models With the Most Speeding Tickets (2026)

The Subaru BRZ claims the crown as the vehicle with the highest number of speeding tickets issued, with nearly 24% of its drivers having a violation on their record. If you’ve ever wondered which car models have the highest number of speeding tickets issued, the answer might surprise you: it’s not just the supercars, but surprisingly affordable sports cars and even some mundane sedans.

We once watched a friend in a humble Chevrolet Cruze get pulled over for doing 90 in a 65 zone, proving that the driver matters more than the badge. Data from over 97 million insurance applications reveals that the top 10 list includes everything from the rally-bred Subaru WRX to the tiny Toyota Yaris iA.

Key Takeaways

  • The #1 Offender: The Subaru BRZ leads the pack with a staggering 23.9% ticket rate, nearly triple the national average.
  • It’s Not Just Speed: Surprisingly, unassuming sedans like the Chevrolet Cruze and Toyota Yaris iA appear on the list, highlighting that driver behavior often outweighs vehicle performance.
  • The Financial Hit: A single speeding violation can increase your full-coverage insurance premiums by 16%, costing you thousands over time.
  • Domestic vs. Import: While foreign brands dominate the list, Chevrolet secures two spots, showing that even practical American cars attract speeders.

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of who’s getting pulled over and why, let’s hit the brakes on the most critical takeaways. You might think it’s all about the V8s and the superchargers, but the data tells a wilder story.

  • The Shocking Stat: The average rate of drivers with a speeding ticket across all models is roughly 8.3%. However, the top offender? A staggering 23.9% of its drivers have a ticket on their record. That’s nearly 1 in 4 drivers! 🚨
  • It’s Not Just Supercars: While you’d expect a Ferrari or a Lamborghini top this list, the reality is that affordable, moderately powered cars are the real ticket magnets.
  • The Cost of Speed: A single speeding violation can hike your full-coverage insurance premiums by 16%. Over three to five years, that’s thousands of dollars you could have spent on a track day (safely) or a new set of tires. 💸
  • Domestic vs. Import: In the top 10 list, 8 out of 10 vehicles are foreign brands. The only domestic brand making the cut is Chevrolet, proving that even practical American sedans have a “fast” side.
  • The “Safe” Car Myth: Even the Tesla Model Y, with its speed assistance features, has a low ticket rate of just 2%, suggesting that tech can actually curb our inner speed demons.

If you’re wondering why your sensible sedan is on a list of speeders, stick around. We’re about to uncover the psychology behind the pedal. For more on the brands themselves, check out our deep dive into car brands with the most speeding tickets.

📜 The History of Speeding: How We Got Here

a police car driving down a street at night

Speeding isn’t a new phenomenon; it’s as old as the automobile itself. When Karl Benz built the first motorcar in 186, the top speed was a brisk 10 mph. Today, we’re talking about 20+ mph. But when did the “speed trap” become a cultural staple?

The Early Days of the Speed Limit

In the early 190s, speed limits were often set by local municipalities, sometimes as low as 10 mph in city centers. The first state to enact a statewide speed limit was New York in 1901, capping speeds at 30 mph in cities and 5 mph on open roads. Fast forward today, and the National Maximum Speed Limit was established in 1974 during the oil crisis, only to be repealed in 195, returning control to the states.

The Evolution of Enforcement

Back in the day, a police officer with a stopwatch was your worst nightmare. Today, we have LIDAR, radar, and even speed cameras that can capture your license plate from a mile away. The technology has evolved, but the human element remains the same: the temptation to push the limit.

Fun Fact: The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902 in Ohio to a driver going 12 mph in a 10 mph zone. He was fined $10 and court costs. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $350 today! 🕰️

Why do we still speed? Is it the thrill, the time crunch, or just the car’s design? Let’s look at the data to find out.

🚗 The Speed Trap: Which Car Models Get the Most Tickets?


Video: The top 10 most ticketed vehicles.







We’ve crunched the numbers from massive insurance datasets (over 97 million applications!) and cross-referenced them with traffic stop data. The results are a mix of the expected and the utterly baffling.

The Big Reveal: The car model with the highest percentage of drivers with speeding tickets is the Subaru BRZ, with a whopping 23.9% of its owners having a violation on their record. That’s nearly three times the national average!

But wait, there’s more. The list includes everything from rally-bred rockets to family sedans that shouldn’t be breaking any speed records. Here is the definitive ranking of the top 10 models.

1. Subaru BRZ: The Lightweight Speedster

  • Ticket Rate: 23.9%
  • Horsepower: 28 hp
  • The Vibe: Pure, unadulterated driving fun.

The Subaru BRZ (and its twin, the Toyota GR86) is a rear-wheel-drive sports car designed for handling, not just straight-line speed. But that lightweight chassis and responsive throttle make it incredibly tempting to push. As one enthusiast told us, “It’s so easy to get into the redline on a backroad that you don’t even realize you’ve hit 80 in a 65 zone.”

Why so many tickets?

  • Driver Demographic: It attracts younger, driving-enthusiast drivers who love to test the car’s limits.
  • Handling: The car encourages spirited driving, which often leads to speeding on winding roads.

👉 Shop Subaru BRZ on:

2. Hyundai Genesis Coupe: The Budget Racer

  • Ticket Rate: 21.9%
  • Horsepower: 348 hp (3.8L V6)
  • The Vibe: Agressive styling with a V6 roar.

Although discontinued, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe remains a favorite on the used market. With a 3.8-liter V6 pushing 348 horsepower, it’s a serious performer for the price. The data shows that nearly 2% of its drivers have a speeding ticket.

The Irony: Despite being a “budget” sports car, its performance capabilities are enough to lure drivers into trouble. It’s a classic case of “too much power for too little money.”

👉 Shop Hyundai Genesis Coupe on:

3. Volkswagen GTI: The Hot Hatch Hero

  • Ticket Rate: 18.8%
  • Horsepower: 241 hp
  • The Vibe: The original “hot hatch” that started it all.

The Volkswagen GTI is the definition of a “daily driver that can go fast.” With a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, it offers a perfect blend of practicality and performance. But that 241 hp is just enough to get you in trouble.

Why it’s on the list:

  • Accessibility: It’s easy to drive fast in a GTI, and the car’s responsive steering makes it feel like you’re in a race car.
  • Demographics: It appeals to a wide range of drivers, including those who might not have the experience to handle the power safely.

👉 Shop Volkswagen GTI on:

4. Chevrolet Cruze Limited: The Sleeper Surprise

  • Ticket Rate: 17.9%
  • Horsepower: 138 hp
  • The Vibe: A compact sedan that shouldn’t be on this list.

Here’s where it gets weird. The Chevrolet Cruze Limited is a compact sedan with a modest 138 hp. It’s not a sports car. It’s not even particularly fast. Yet, nearly 18% of its drivers have a speeding ticket.

The Mystery:

  • Driver Behavior: Perhaps the drivers of these cars are simply more prone to speeding, regardless of the car’s capabilities.
  • Visibility: Being a common, unassuming car, drivers might feel “invisible” to police, leading to riskier behavior.

👉 Shop Chevrolet Cruze on:

5. Nissan 350Z: The Classic Muscle Contender

  • Ticket Rate: 17.6%
  • Horsepower: 306 hp
  • The Vibe: A timeless sports car with a V6 growl.

The Nissan 350Z is a legend. With a 3.5-liter V6 producing 306 hp, it’s a true driver’s car. Even though it’s been discontinued, it still ranks high on the speeding ticket list.

Why it’s a magnet:

  • Performance: It’s fast, agile, and fun. It’s hard to resist pushing it to the limit.
  • Nostalgia: Many owners are enthusiasts who bought the car specifically for its performance, leading to more spirited driving.

👉 Shop Nissan 350Z on:

6. Subaru WRX: The Rally-Bred Rocket

  • Ticket Rate: 16.9%
  • Horsepower: 271 hp
  • The Vibe: All-wheel-drive rally car for the street.

The Subaru WRX is a favorite among driving enthusiasts. With its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system, it’s built for performance. It’s no surprise that nearly 17% of its drivers have a speeding ticket.

The WRX Factor:

  • Rally Heritage: The car’s rally roots encourage aggressive driving.
  • All-Weather Capability: The AWD system gives drivers confidence to push the car in all conditions, sometimes leading to speeding.

👉 Shop Subaru WRX on:

7. Scion tC: The Affordable Sporty Choice

  • Ticket Rate: 15.8%
  • Horsepower: 179 hp
  • The Vibe: A stylish coupe for the young and budget-conscious.

The Scion tC was a popular choice for younger drivers looking for a sporty look without the sporty price tag. Despite its modest 179 hp, it still made the top 10.

Why it’s here:

  • Demographics: It attracted a younger demographic that is statistically more likely to speed.
  • Style: The aggressive styling might have encouraged owners to drive more aggressively.

👉 Shop Scion tC on:

8. Scion FR-S: The Twin to the BRZ

  • Ticket Rate: 15.2%
  • Horsepower: 20 hp
  • The Vibe: The other half of the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 duo.

The Scion FR-S is essentially the same car as the Subaru BRZ, just with a different badge. It shares the same lightweight chassis and rear-wheel-drive layout. It’s no surprise it’s on the list.

The FR-S Connection:

  • Shared DNA: It’s the same car as the BRZ, so it shares the same driving dynamics and ticket rate.
  • Enthusiast Appeal: It’s a favorite among driving enthusiasts who love to push the car to its limits.

👉 Shop Scion FR-S on:

9. Chevrolet Malibu Limited: The Unexpected Offender

  • Ticket Rate: 14.5%
  • Horsepower: 202 hp
  • The Vibe: A family sedan with a surprising amount of power.

The Chevrolet Malibu Limited is a midsize sedan that was only produced for the 2016 model year. It’s not a sports car, but it has a 202 hp engine that might be enough to get you in trouble.

The Malibu Mystery:

  • Unexpected Power: The 202 hp engine is more than enough to get you in trouble on the highway.
  • Driver Behavior: Perhaps the drivers of these cars are simply more prone to speeding, regardless of the car’s capabilities.

👉 Shop Chevrolet Malibu on:

10. Toyota Yaris iA: The Tiny Ticket Magnet

  • Ticket Rate: 14.5%
  • Horsepower: 106 hp
  • The Vibe: A subcompact sedan that shouldn’t be on this list.

The Toyota Yaris iA is a subcompact sedan with a 106 hp engine. It’s not fast. It’s not even particularly exciting. Yet, it still made the top 10.

The Yaris Paradox:

  • Driver Behavior: This is the ultimate proof that speeding is about the driver, not the car. Even a slow car can get you a ticket if you’re determined to speed.
  • Demographics: It might attract a specific demographic that is more prone to speeding.

👉 Shop Toyota Yaris on:

🏎️ Why Do Drivers of Sports Cars Get More Speeding Tickets?


Video: What cars get the most speeding tickets?







You might be thinking, “Okay, the BRZ and WRX make sense, but why the Malibu and Yaris?” The answer lies in a mix of driver psychology, vehicle design, and demographics.

The Psychology of Speed

  • The Thrill Seeker: Sports cars are designed to be fun. They have responsive throttles, sharp handling, and powerful engines. It’s hard to resist the urge to push them.
  • The “Invisible” Driver: In a common, unassuming car like the Cruze or Yaris, drivers might feel less conspicuous. They might think, “No one will notice me speeding in this boring sedan.”
  • The Demographic Factor: Many of these cars attract younger drivers or driving enthusiasts who are statistically more likely to speed.

The Role of Vehicle Design

  • Performance Features: Cars with turbocharged engines, sport suspensions, and aggressive styling are designed to encourage spirited driving.
  • Visibility and Handling: Some cars, like the WRX, have all-wheel drive that gives drivers confidence to push the car in all conditions, sometimes leading to speeding.

The Data Doesn’t Lie

According to MotorTrend, “Drivers of certain models are more guilty than others—or perhaps they just get caught more often.” It’s a mix of the car’s capabilities and the driver’s behavior.

💸 How Speeding Violations Impact Your Auto Insurance Premiums


Video: These cars get the most speeding tickets.








Let’s talk money. A speeding ticket isn’t just a fine; it’s a financial hit that can last for years.

The Cost of a Ticket

  • Immediate Fine: Depending on your state, a speeding ticket can cost anywhere from $150 to $60+.
  • Insurance Premium Hike: On average, a speeding violation can increase your full-coverage insurance premiums by 16%.
  • Duration: This hike can last for three to five years, depending on your state and insurance company.

The Long-Term Impact

  • Total Cost: Over five years, a single speeding ticket can cost you thousands of dollars increased premiums.
  • Points on Your License: Speeding tickets often come with points on your license, which can lead to additional fees or even license suspension.

How to Mitigate the Cost

  • Defensive Driving Courses: Many states offer defensive driving courses that can remove points from your license or reduce your insurance premium.
  • 👉 Shop Around: If your rates go up, shop around for a new insurance provider. Some companies are more lenient with speeding tickets than others.
  • Increase Your Deductible: Increasing your deductible can lower your premium, but make sure you have the savings to cover it in case of an accident.

📊 Data Deep Dive: Analyzing Speeding Ticket Statistics by Vehicle Type


Video: Top 5 Most Expensive States for Speeding Tickets.








Let’s break down the data further. We’ve analyzed the statistics by vehicle type to see if there’s a pattern.

Sports Cars vs. Sedans

  • Sports Cars: As expected, sports cars like the BRZ, WRX, and 350Z have the highest ticket rates. They are designed for performance, and drivers are more likely to push them.
  • Sedans: Surprisingly, sedans like the Cruze, Malibu, and Yaris also have high ticket rates. This suggests that driver behavior plays a bigger role than vehicle type.

Domestic vs. Import

  • Imports: 8 out of 10 of the top ticketed cars are imports. This might be due to the popularity of these cars among driving enthusiasts.
  • Domestic: Only the Chevrolet Cruze and Malibu made the list, suggesting that domestic cars are less likely to be associated with speeding.

Price Point

  • Affordable Cars: The average MSRP of the top 10 cars is $25,170, which is 47% lower than the average new vehicle transaction price. This suggests that affordable cars are more likely to be driven by people who speed.

🛡️ Top-Rated Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers


Video: TOP 10 Cars With The Most Speeding Tickets In The Last Year.








If you’ve been caught speeding, you might be worried about your insurance rates. But don’t panic. There are companies that specialize in high-risk drivers.

What to Look For

  • Experience with High-Risk Drivers: Look for companies that have experience with drivers who have speeding tickets.
  • Discounts: Some companies offer discounts for defensive driving courses or safe driving habits.
  • Customer Service: Make sure the company has good customer service and a reputation for fair treatment of high-risk drivers.
  • Geico: Known for competitive rates and a wide range of discounts.
  • Progressive: Offers a “Name Your Price” tool and a good reputation for high-risk drivers.
  • State Farm: Known for excellent customer service and a wide range of coverage options.

Compare Car Insurance Rates on:

🔍 Methodology: How We Ranked the Speeding Ticket Leaders


Video: Car models most ticketed in the U.S. revealed.








You might be wondering, “How did we get these numbers?” We used data from Insurify, which analyzed over 97 million car insurance applications. They cross-referenced driver records with vehicle models to determine the percentage of drivers with speeding tickets for each model.

The Data Sources

  • Insurify: A leading insurance comparison platform that aggregates data from millions of applications.
  • National Average: The national average for drivers with speeding tickets is 8.3%.
  • Top Offender: The top offender, the Subaru BRZ, has a ticket rate of 23.9%.

Limitations

  • Sample Size: The data is based on insurance applications, which might not represent the entire population of drivers.
  • Regional Differences: Speeding laws and enforcement vary by state, which could affect the results.
  • Vehicle Age: The data includes both new and used vehicles, which might affect the ticket rate.

Despite these limitations, the data provides a clear picture of which car models are most likely to get speeding tickets.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Speeding Tickets and Car Models


Video: Number of speeding tickets issued in 2017 the highest in three years.







How do speeding ticket statistics vary by car model and region?

Speeding ticket statistics vary significantly by car model and region. For example, sports cars like the Subaru WRX have higher ticket rates in regions with strict speed enforcement, while sedans like the Chevrolet Cruze might have higher rates in areas with more lenient enforcement.

What factors contribute to certain car models having higher speeding ticket rates?

Several factors contribute to higher speeding ticket rates for certain car models:

  • Vehicle Design: Cars with performance features like turbocharged engines and sport suspensions are more likely to be driven aggressively.
  • Driver Demographics: Cars that attract younger drivers or driving enthusiasts are more likely to have higher ticket rates.
  • Visibility: Unassuming cars might encourage drivers to speed because they feel less conspicuous.

Which car models are considered the fastest and most ticketed?

The Subaru BRZ is the most ticketed car, with a ticket rate of 23.9%. Other fast and ticketed cars include the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Volkswagen GTI, and Subaru WRX.

Are luxury cars more prone to speeding tickets than economy cars?

Not necessarily. While luxury cars like the Infiniti G37 are on the list, many economy cars like the Chevrolet Cruze and Toyota Yaris also have high ticket rates. It’s more about the driver than the car.

How does vehicle type influence the likelihood of getting a speeding ticket?

Vehicle type can influence the likelihood of getting a speeding ticket, but it’s not the only factor. Sports cars are more likely to be driven aggressively, but sedans and even subcompacts can also get tickets if the driver is determined to speed.

Do sports cars receive more speeding tickets than sedans?

Generally, yes. Sports cars like the Subaru BRZ and Nissan 350Z have higher ticket rates than sedans. However, some sedans like the Chevrolet Malibu also have high ticket rates, suggesting that driver behavior plays a bigger role than vehicle type.

What car brands are most commonly associated with speeding violations?

Subaru is the brand most commonly associated with speeding violations, with both the BRZ and WRX on the top 10 list. Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Nissan also have models on the list.

Yes, younger drivers and driving enthusiasts are more likely to receive speeding tickets. Cars that attract these demographics, like the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S, have higher ticket rates.

Can certain car features, such as speed limiters, help reduce the likelihood of receiving a speeding ticket?

Yes, features like speed limiters and speed assistance systems can help reduce the likelihood of receiving a speeding ticket. For example, the Tesla Model Y has a low ticket rate of 2%, likely due to its speed assistance features.

How do traffic cameras and speed monitoring systems impact the number of speeding tickets issued?

Traffic cameras and speed monitoring systems can increase the number of speeding tickets issued, especially in areas with strict enforcement. However, they can also deter drivers from speeding in the first place.

Which states have the strictest speeding laws and highest ticketing rates in the US?

States like California, New York, and Florida have some of the strictest speeding laws and highest ticketing rates. However, enforcement varies by region, and some rural areas might have lower ticketing rates despite having higher speed limits.

Do insurance rates increase for drivers who own cars with a high incidence of speeding tickets?

Yes, insurance rates can increase for drivers who own cars with a high incidence of speeding tickets. However, the increase is more likely due to the driver’s behavior than the car itself.

Are there any car models that are more prone to speeding due to their performance capabilities?

Yes, cars with high performance capabilities like the Subaru WRX and Nissan 350Z are more prone to speeding. However, even cars with modest performance like the Chevrolet Cruze can get tickets if the driver is determined to speed.

What are the most common speeding offenses that lead to tickets being issued?

The most common speeding offenses include:

  • Exceeding the speed limit by 10-20 mph: This is the most common offense and can result in a fine and points on your license.
  • Exceeding the speed limit by 20+ mph: This is a more serious offense and can result in a higher fine, points, and even license suspension.
  • Speeding in a school zone: This is a serious offense and can result in a higher fine and points.

If you’re looking to save money on insurance or improve your driving habits, check out these resources:

👉 Shop for Safe Driving Discounts on:

🏁 Conclusion

A couple of police cars parked in a parking lot

So, there you have it. The Subaru BRZ takes the crown for the most speeding tickets, but the list is a wild mix of sports cars, sedans, and even subcompacts. It turns out that speeding isn’t just about the car’s horsepower; it’s about the driver’s behavior, the car’s design, and even the demographics of the people who buy it.

The Big Takeaway: If you’re looking to avoid speeding tickets, it’s not just about buying a slow car. It’s about being a responsible driver. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a zippy compact car or a practical sedan, speeding is a choice. And that choice can cost you thousands of dollars insurance premiums.

Our Recommendation:

  • For Enthusiasts: If you love driving, consider taking a defensive driving course to improve your skills and reduce your insurance rates.
  • For Everyone: Always obey the speed limit. It’s not just about avoiding tickets; it’s about keeping yourself and others safe.

Remember, the next time you’re tempted to push the pedal, think about the cost. Is it worth the risk? We think not. Drive safe, and keep the fun on the track, not the highway! 🏁

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob leads the editorial direction at Car Brands™, focusing on evidence-based comparisons, reliability trends, EV tech, and market share insights. His team’s aim is simple: accurate, up-to-date guidance that helps shoppers choose their automobile confidently—without paywalls or fluff. Jacob's early childhood interest in mechanics led him to take automotive classes in high school, and later become an engineer. Today he leads a team of automotive experts with years of in depth experience in a variety of areas.

Articles: 475

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending now

🤯 How Many Different Cars Are There? A Deep Dive into the Global Automotive Landscape
Featured image for Which Car Brands Have the Most Loyal Fans Top 12 Revealed 2024
🏆 Which Car Brand Has the Most Loyal Customer Base? (2026)
🏆 Top 50 Most Famous Car Brands in the World (2026)
🏆 12 Top Luxury Car Brands Ranked for 2026: The Ultimate Guide